Information for Students

Mediating is truly an activity that requires me to use my intuition, to listen carefully, and to think on my feet. I took this clinic and Trial Ad side by side last quarter, and was surprised to discover that mediation is much more of an intuitive and flexible process than courtroom practice. A good mediator must respond and adapt to a fluid environment, playing off the communication between the parties and the energy in the room.
-Stephanie Kotecki, Class of 2008

What’s unique about the Mediation Clinic?

In the Mediation Clinic, students serve as neutral third party facilitators rather than client advocates. This neutral role gives students insight into both perspectives in a conflict, and an appreciation for how individuals can resolve problems themselves, rather than asking a third party to decide for them. Instead of advocating, students listen. Rather than controlling, students learn to give up control.

Typical Cases:

Students mediate cases involving:

employment discrimination

landlord-tenant and consumer-business disputes

neighbor or roommate disputes

attorney fee disputes

co-worker conflicts

The Clinic does not mediate family cases such as dissolution or parenting plans.